APPENDIX A.

CHRONOLOGY
(Derived from U.S. Coast Guard Pollution Reports. All times are local
Hours of daylight are roughly from 0600 to 2200.)
MARCH 24,1989 (FIRST DAY)
0028 Marine Safety Office (MSO) Valdez receives notification from Exxon Valdez
reporting that the vessel was hard aground on Bligh Reef. The vessel was
loaded with 1,264,155 barrels (53,094,510 gallons) of North Slope crude oil.
While maneuvering to avoid glacial ice, the vessel left the tanker lanes and
struck bottom on a 30-foot charted shoal on Bligh Reef. The vessels draft
fore and aft was 56 feet. Approximately 510,000 gallons of crude oil released.
Initial assessment of pollution extent and shoreline impact could not be made
with any degree of accuracy due to darkness.
0030 Captain of the Port (COTP) at MSO Valdez closes Port of Valdez to all traffic.
The tug Stalwart is dispatched from Alyeska Marine Terminal to assist Exxon
Valdez.
0100 Pilot boat is made available to transport Coast Guard (CG) and Alaska
Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) pollution personnel to
the scene.
0105 Alaska RRT Chairman for this incident is notified.
0148 MSO Valdez contacts Air Station Kodiak requesting helicopter overflight at
first light.
0206 Attempt to refloat Exxon Valdez at high tideunsuccessful.
0227 Motor vessel (M/V) Shelikoff reports oil slick to half mile south of Exxon
Valdez.
0249 Pacific Area (PACAREA) Strike Team assistance requested.
0323 CG personnel now aboard Exxon Valdez. Tanks gauged: about 138,000
barrels (5.8 million gallons) lost from wing tanks 1, 3, 5 starboard, starboard
slop tanks, and number 5 center tanks.
0330 Initial response efforts at the Port of Valdez under Alyeskas control are
hampered by equipment casualties and holiday personnel shortages. As
response personnel arrive at the Alyeska Terminal, however, Alyeska is unable
to comply with the response. timeliness provision in its own contingency plan
that calls for initial response at the vessel within five hours of first
notification.
Alyeskas only containment barge is tied up at Valdez Terminal, stripped
for repairs. Barge was not certified by the CG to receive oil, but it could
carry recovery bladders. Alaskas state contingency plan requires Alyeska to
notify the state when response equipment is taken out of service. Satisfied the
barge was seaworthy without repairs, Alyeska had not done so.
Before barge could be used, pollution gear had to be loaded. Crane
riggers called at 0330. By this time, CG estimates 5.8 million gallons already
discharged from the tanks.
Appendices-l
0400 Stability of Exxon Valdez is CGs highest priority. The biggest concern is
that the vessel might capsize and break up, spilling the entire 53 million
gallons of oil. Word is passed to Alyeska to assemble oil transfer (lightering)
equipment (six-inch hoses and fenders to transfer oil from Exxon Valdez to
recovery vessels, bladders or other containers).
0414 Tank vessel (T/V) Exxon Baton Rouge contacted and is enroute to initiate oil
transfer operations.
0500 CG small boat dispatched to survey the area.
0727 Alyeska Marine Terminal security helicopter aloft for overflight with CG
investigator aboard. Analysis of videotape taken by the investigator showed
the slick to be 1,000 feet wide by four miles long. Sheen extends in a
southerly direction with minimal contact with shoreline.
1115 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposes temporary flight
restriction around Exxon Valdez. Rate of discharge from Exxon Valdez is
slowing. Exxon Baton Rouge arrives at location of grounding and begins to
rig fenders for coming alongside to begin oil transfer operation
1140 H-3 helicopter overflight observes extremely heavy oil 20 to 30 feet from the
side of the vessel. Calm sea is slowing the movement of the oil.
1145 COTP imposes 500-yard safety zone around grounded vessel. Notice to
Mariners broadcast begins.
1200 Regional Response Team (RRT) teleconference commences. Discussion
includes use of dispersants and in-situ burning.
1230 Alyeska barge arrives at Bligh Reef, seven hours after the five-hour initial
response time required by Alyeskas contingency plan. Oil slick is already
1,000 feet wide and four to five miles long. The barge arrives with two
skimmers in tow, two l,000-gallon bladders, and 8,000 feet of containment
boom for a spill of 10 million gallons. The two on-scene skimmers begin
recovering oil near the Exxon Valdez.
1310 MSO Valdez estimates quantity released is now 250,000 barrels (10.5 million
gallons).
15 10 On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) grants permission for dispersant test on leading
edge of sheen.
1645 CG 32323 underway with State of Alaska Governor Cowper and assistants on-
b o a r d .
1700 CG 32323 drops off Governor Cowper and assistants. They board Exxon
Valdez.
1800 Dispersant trial application is conducted with less than satisfactory results,
due to lack of mixing energy. Use of dispersants is deemed inappropriate at
this time.
1820 PACAREA Strike Team members arrive in Cordova, Alaska.
2010 Exxon Baton Rouge alongside Exxon Valdez, port-to-port.
2030 Contract divers arrive on scene.
2154 Exxon Baton Rouge made fast alongside Exxon Valdez.
Appendices-2
2215 First oil transfer hose connected.
2338 Second oil transfer hose connected between the two vessels.
MARCH 25,1989 (SECOND DAY)
0015 Tug Jeffrey Foss on scene with 30,000-barrel tank barge to receive recovered
oil.
0736 Oil transfer operations begin, with cargo transferred to Exxon Baton Rouge.
0745 OSC reports that loss of additional oil has ceased.
0750 Commercial divers complete underwater hull survey showing holes in 11 tanks.
Exxon Valdez had been grounded from the number two tank aft to the
number four tank. The vessels designer advises CG that ship is not floatable
and that a major salvage operation will be required. Meanwhile, oil transfer
to the Exxon Baton Rouge continues at a rate of 10,000 to 12,000 gallons per
hour. Water replaces cargo to maintain ballast.
0830 Alyeska pipeline representative advises that pipeline flow has been slowed to
768,000 barrels per day. At this rate, Alyeska has seven days of storage
capacity.
0833 USCGC Rush is ordered to put CG personnel aboard T/V Oriental Crane and
to proceed with all haste to Exxon Valdez site and establish a command and
control platform. USCGC Sedge is ordered to Prince William Sound to assist
OSC.
0845 Oil transfer operations suspended as on-scene crews reevaluate the situation.
0930 Ms. Alice Berkner of International Bird Rescue and Research Center arrives
in Valdez to set up facilities for treating oiled animals.
0945 On-Scene RRT agency representatives hold a meeting at MSO Valdez with
teleconference following at 1110. Dispersant trial application planned utilizing
C-130 cargo aircraft. Exxon Shipping Company assumes management of spill
and financial responsibility.
1100 Exxon Valdez surrounded by containment boom. USCGC Rush on scene to
assume air traffic control functions.
1145 CG Commander of t he Paci fi c Area (PACAREA) request s AIREYE
surveillance from the Atlantic Area Commander.
1200 Second hull survey conducted with video cameras by dive team.
1230 Some oil released as transfer operations begin again. Oil transfer had been
delayed due to piping damage.
1330 FAA in Anchorage is mobilizing air traffic control team to set up temporary
control tower (seven personnel) at Valdez Airport.
1900 RADM Nelson, Commander Seventeenth CG District, arrives on scene.
1930 Clean-up crews report 1,200 barrels of oil recovered.
2000 Dispersant trial application conducted by C-130 with inconclusive results.
Another test to be conducted on March 26 under optimal light conditions
Appendices-3
2010 Exxon Valdez had transferred 11,000 barrels of oil to Exxon Baton Rouge
before suspending oil transfer operations. Second test of ships cargo transfer
system will be conducted on the morning of March 26.
2015 Exxon completes initial mapping of the area to determine the extent of the
oil spread and impact. Bird rescue operation instituted by Exxon.
2045 Burn test conducted near Goose Island with approximately 100 square feet of
tar left as a residue. An estimated 15,000 gallons of oil were consumed.
MARCH 26,1989 (THIRD DAY)
0530 CG Strike Team members join responders on Exxon Valdez. Earlier they had
staged an Open Water Oil Containment and Recovery System (OWOCRS) for
loading onboard USCGC Sedge.
0900 Exxon has assigned over 100 people including Exxon, Alyeska, and contract
personnel to clean-up operation. Another 200 people are on standby.
0643 CG reports shipment of one MARCO skimmer from Elmendorf Air Force
Base, Alaska. Twenty people transported to Bligh Island to survey beach
cleanup and bird and wildlife impact. 75 oiled birds reported sighted by
Department of the Interior (DOI) personnel. Birds include White Wing
Scoters, Old Squaw, and Golden Eye ducks. Most oiled birds sighted on west
side of Bligh Island. Two oiled sea otters sighted. DOI estimates that 3,000
seabirds and several hundred sea otters live in area of Knowles Head to Galena
Bay.
1045 Three CG personnel arrive from MSO Anchorage to assist.
1115 CG personnel and members from ADEC and Exxon confer on state efforts
for protecting sensitive areas on north side of Bligh Island.
1123-1510 USCGC Sedge arrives on scene north of Bligh Reef. USCGC Sedge
dispatches small boat to recheck proper positioning of navigational equipment
within the sound, maintaining navigation safety levels.
1400 Skimmers have recovered 2,275 barrels of oil from the water.
1500 National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) representatives board Exxon
Valdez.
1600 Dispersant application conducted with C-130, equipped with Beigart Air
Deliverable Dispersant System (ADDS) system. Results are satisfactory.
1700 46,256 barrels of oil transferred to Exxon Baton Rouge.
1800 Skimmers recover 3,004 barrels of oil.
1830 Governor Cowper declares a state of emergency.
1900 51,064 barrels transferred to Exxon Baron Rouge. Commercial divers conduct
survey with the use of video equipment.
2000 Additional survey by divers reveals port tanks intact. Some distortion is
evident.
Appendices-4
MARCH 27,1989 (FOURTH DAY)
High winds seriously impair response operations. Overnight, gusts clocked as
high as 73 miles per hour have driven the spill nearly 40 miles into Prince
William Sound, coating beaches at Little Smith, Naked, and Knight Islands.
Skimmer systems, booms, and other equipment had to be moved to sheltered
water for protection.
0542 USCGC Rush launches HH-65 helicopter to provide OSC and key response
personnel an overflight view of the spill. USCGC Rush continues to enforce
air space restrictions.
1100 90,599 barrels of oil have been transferred to Exxon Baron Rouge.
1245 CG overflight reveals that oil pooled up southwest of Exxon Valdez has
formed dark, emulsified ribbons. Entire north and northeast side of Smith
Island is heavily affected by thick oil. Some oil reaching Seal Island. Oil
glancing eastern end of Naked Island is a lighter sheen, containing smaller
ribbons. No recovery of oil since 1800, March 26.
1330 RRT assembles for a teleconference. The staging of sorbent materials at
sensitive beaches is planned for areas in the path of the oil spill trajectory.
Exxon is informed of the need for beach clean-up crews.
1900 124,299 barrels of oil have been transferred from Exxon Valdez to Exxon
Baton Rouge.
CG overflight reports heavy shoreline contamination on northeastern end
of Knight Island. Large pools of oil appear in the bays and inlets of the
island. Oil heavily affects Eleanor Island moving west around north end of
island. High winds move spill beyond sites initially selected for recovery
operations
At the RRT teleconference, permission is given for dispersant
application. Scheduled dispersant application did not take place, because,
aircraft did not arrive at authorized site. Virtually all mechanical recovery
operations have ceased.
2100 3,000 barrels of oil recovered.
MARCH 28, 1989 (FIFTH DAY)
1000 Additional PACAREA Strike Team equipment arrives in Valdez.
1010 Exxon requests use of dispersants and in-situ burning around Eleanor Island
(Zone 3). RRT considers dispersant use in this area inappropriate.
1030 USCGC Sedge informs OSC that no oil is in Main or Eshamay Bay. Work
crews are setting booms in both areas.
1120 ADEC approves in-situ burning permit for area around Eleanor Island.
PACAREA Strike Team reports 226,874 barrels transferred from Exxon
Valdez to Exxon Baton Rouge.
1200 CG overflight from 0800 to 1130 indicates oil has reached beaches on all
islands from northeastern side of Storey Island, Naked Island, Eleanor Island,
Ingot Island, and Knight Island down to the Bay of Isles area on Knight
Island. Heavy oil slicks are found between Naked and Eleanor Islands,
extending in a westerly direction out into Knight Island passage.
Heavy oil impact on Smith and Little Smith Islands, with moderate
contamination on the eastern side of Green Island. A major clean-up
mobilization is initiated to protect critical fishery resources in Eshamay Bay,
Main Bay, Port San Juan, and Esther Bay. Response management is
reorganized formally as a steering committee consisting of CG, ADEC, and
Exxon.
Appendices-5
Major operation mobilized to protect fishery resources in Eshamay Bay,
Main Bay, Port San Juan, and Esther Bay.
1230 Exxon-chartered C-130 applies dispersants in areas of heavily concentrated
oil. Minor discharge of oil from Exxon Valdez. OSC authorizes use of
dispersants.
1300-1530 Exxon dispersant operation conducted near vicinity of Exxon Valdez. Exxon
reports excellent results. Dispersant operation also conducted off eastern end
of South Island.
1400 OSC opens Port of Valdez to vessel traffic. Vessels subject to Vessel Traffic
Service (VTS) regulations will make daylight transits only. A l,000-yard
safety zone around the Exxon Valdez is imposed. Tank vessels inbound or
outbound will be required to have a two-tug escort to or from Bligh Reef.
Vessels directed to avoid any clean-up operations by 500 yards.
1600 OSC holds teleconference with Alaska State Legislature.
1730 Secretary of Transportation Skinner, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Administrator Reilly, and CG Commandant Admiral Yost arrive to assess
clean-up and oil transfer operations.
1800 274,000 barrels of oil transferred from the vessel at a transfer rate of 3,624
barrels per hour. Soundings indicate vessel is still hard aground between the
number two and three starboard tank areas.
MARCH 29, 1989 (SIXTH DAY)
0845 Secretary of Transportation Skinner, EPA Administrator Reilly, CG
Commandant Yost, Senator Murkowski, and Congressional staffers view spill
area from CG overflight. They arrive in Valdez after having reviewed clean-
up and oil transfer operations. They meet with OSC.
1200 At Valdez site, two dispersant aircraft stand ready for operations. An
Aerostar aircraft augments command and control. Five landing craft (LCM)
arrive for beach cleanup. Seven skimmers operate around Knight Island.
Over 8,000 feet of additional boom is enroute. Skimmers remove over 5,000
barrels of oil.
Over 390,000 barrels of oil transferred off Exxon Valdez. Present
pumping rate is 9,000 barrels per hour.
2000 Total of 442,988 barrels of oil-45 percent of cargo-now removed from
Exxon Valdez. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
review of recent overflights indicates oil beginning counterclockwise rotation,
moving from Naked Island, down western side of Knight Island, and up
eastern side of Knight Island and western side of Green Island.
2130 Exxon Baton Rouge ceases taking on Exxon Valdez cargo. Exxon San
Francisco is enroute to resume operations.
MARCH 30, 1989 (SEVENTH DAY)
Three separate beach clean-up work groups established. Priority Assessment
Team to rank most critically affected areas for cleanup. Clean-up Assessment
Team will determine use of best clean-up techniques. Shoreline Assessment
Team will make final assessments of clean-up work.
Exxon reports that 7,537 barrels of oil recovered. NOAA estimates that
30 to 40 percent of the spilled oil has evaporated.
The oil has passed Montague Island and Latouche Island and is
proceeding westerly into Gulf of Alaska.
0800 Oil concentrations have moved south seven to eight miles overnight, extending
to the Montague Strait area near southern tip of Montague Island and eastern
side of Latouche Island. Oil remains concentrated in center of Montague
Strait. Green Island surrounded by oil. Heavy concentrations of oil remain
in the area southeast of Naked Island, through the Eleanor and Ingot Island
areas, and down western side of Knight Island. Vessel Crystal Star (130 feet)
set up as Exxon floating command center.
0900 OSC authorizes three EPA members to assist Exxon in planning for beach
c l e a n u p .
0915 CG transportable communications center arrives from Sacramento, CA, to
handle Coast Guard air traffic communications.
1000 Oil transfer from Exxon Valdez totals over 447,000 barrels.
1100 Exxon San Francisco takes over transfer operations from Exxon Baton Rouge.
Divers in the water conduct additional surveys.
1300 VADM Robbins, Commander CG Pacarea, and Senator Lautenberg arrive in
Valdez.
2300 Exxon Baton Rouge departs. Estimated 668,000 barrels of oil left on Exxon
Valdez at conclusion of transfer operations.
MARCH 31, 1989 (EIGHTH DAY)
1000
1143
1200
1400
1700
1800
1930
Due to low visibility, CG using its own AIREYE and Exxon infrared tracking
equipment to monitor spill migration. NOAA projections using AIREYE
surveillance shows large crossover effect. Oil slick appears to be turning back
on itself, moving into Knight Island Passage. Oil emulsifying with water
increases volume of liquid to be recovered. Responders replace weir-type
skimmers with rope-mop units.
Green Island surrounded by thickening oil. Large patch of thick oil
reaches northwestern side of Knight Island past Herring Bay area. Latouche
Island touched by lighter patches. No signs yet of beach contamination.
Exxon reports 7,537 barrels of oil recovered. Preliminary DOI survey of
Green Island indicates 1,000 oiled birds.
Senator Stevens arrives and is briefed by the OSC.
USCGC Sedge in Sawmill Bay operating OWOCRS. Personnel are issued
respiratory equipment to avoid irritating fumes from oil. Three dead sea
otters removed from the sea.
Nearly 80,000 feet of sorbent boom transferred from USCGC Rush to contract
vessels in southern part of Prince William Sound. The Rush acts as command
and control platform in this area. Operating OWOCRS from USCGC Sedge,
Strike Force recovers 679 barrels of oil. l Meanwhile, Exxon Valdez shows
signs of buoyancy after 500,000 barrels off-loaded to Exxon Baron Rouge and
Exxon San Francisco.
Alaska Air National Guard air drops sorbent materials to contractor boat crews
in Hawkins Island area.
Ten sea otters received by the wildlife cleaning facility.
220,952 barrels of oil transferred from Exxon Valdez to Exxon San Francisco.
USCGC Sedge departs for Sawmill Bay area by way of Knight Island passage.
Appendices-7
APRIL 1, 1989 (NINTH DAY)
Heavy weathered oil continues to wrap around Knight Island. Emulsified oil
reported from Squire Point south to Prince of Wales Passage opposite Port San
Juan. Heavy oil also reported on west side of Latouche Island.
By April 1, a substantial accumulation of response equipment has been
deployed throughout affected areas of the sound. For example, the amount
of boom positioned by Exxon from March 24 to April 1 has grown from
12,500 feet to over 84,000 feet.
Galena Bay is protected by 1,000 feet of deflection boom; Head Main
Bay by 5,000 feet, with a recovery vessel attending; Hatchery Island of Main
Bay by 2,000 feet; and Herring Bay, Knight Island by 3,000 feet of sorbent
boom and 6,000 feet of recovery boom used by five vessels for later pickup
by skimmers.
Sawmill Bay, Evans Island protected by 50,000 feet of boom deployed
with 15 vessels and much other equipment; Point Helens, Knight Island
shielded by 1,200 feet of recovery boom; Snug Harbor, Knight Island by 1,000
feet; Bay of Isles, Knight Island by 500 feet of boom; and Bushby Island by
5,000 feet of recovery boom. Applegate Rock protected by CG skimming
barriers with an attending 35,000-barrel recovery barge. Crippled Exxon
Valdez is surrounded by 6,000 feet of boom.
The federal presence also has increased significantly. Employed in the
response on April 1 are 391 CG personnel, 23 from DOI, 14 from NOAA, six
from EPA, and four from the Department of Agriculture. On-scene
equipment marshalled by federal agencies includes 8,000 feet of sea boom,
2,000 feet of flexi-boom, 1,200 feet of harbor boom, over 100,000 feet of
sorbent boom, two CG Strike Force skimming OWOCRS, two Navy MARCO
Class V skimmers, a PACAREA tow vehicle, eight boats, three CG cutters,
four fixed wing aircraft, and four helicopters.
0650 295,645 barrels of oil transferred to Exxon San Francisco.
1000 State officials mobilizing resources to conduct water sampling in areas of
hatchery and spawning activities.
1130 Wildlife recovery centers treating 28 oiled birds and 12 otters.
1215 Notice to mariners broadcast: all vessels not involved in response operations
are to stay well clear of any observed oil.
1300 Secretary of Transportation Skinner and CG Commandant Admiral Yost
briefed by OSC on cleanup status and adequacy.
APRIL 2, 1989 (TENTH DAY)
Using CG AIREYE, NOAA reports the leading edge of spill is approximately
nine miles south of Cape Resurrection, progressing southwestward.
Beach cleanup at Naked, Peak, and Smith Islands begin as response teams
gather growing clean-up manpower and pool special skills. Exxon team totals
160 persons now, including experts from the U.S., Canada, and the United
Kingdom. The company has hired over 350 additional clean-up workers.
Nearly 100 vessels are actively participating in the response.
336,853 barrels of oil have been transferred from the Exxon Valdez to
Exxon San Francisco.
Exxon reports total quantity of oil recovered exceeds 10,000 barrels.
Exxon visual overflight indicates lighter sheens of oil are flowing into
Gulf of Alaska. Large concentrations of oil remain in Knight Island Passage
and in bays and sounds on north end of Knight Island.
ADEC beach surveys on Eleanor Island, Ingot Island, and northern end
of Knight Island show heavy contamination.
0900 At wildlife cleaning centers, 28 oiled otters and 49 oiled birds are being
treated. Approximately 140 oiled birds per square mile are found in
Gibbons/Anchorage area. DOI estimates very high wildlife mortality rates.
1300 Exxon San Francisco loaded to its capacity of 452,533 barrels.
OSC grants Exxon request to apply dispersant to the slick sighted south
of Point Erlington, but results not satisfactory on the main body of the oil.
Dispersants moderately effective in breaking up surrounding oil sheen.
1400 Exxon reports 943,000 barrels of oil transferred from Exxon Valdez to Exxon
Baton Rouge and Exxon San Francisco.
1530 Exxon Baytown alongside Exxon Valdez for continuation of oil transfer.
1600 150 birds treated and 30 sea otters recovered. Once treated, otters are
transported to various aquariums.
By evening, southern extent of the spill progresses further south and is
now 12 miles southwest of southern tip of Montague Island. Small stringers
of oil sighted in the Bainbridge and Prince of Wales Passages. Light sheen
remains in all passages. Three main streams of oil are flowing into Gulf of
Alaska and are currently four to five miles offshore.
NOAA weather stations set up at northwest corner of Sawmill Bay and
southern tip of Latouche Island.
APRIL 3, 1989 (ELEVENTH DAY)
Alaska Department of Fish and Game cancels all herring fishing in Prince
William Sound based on damage to spawning areas.
1400 New remote weather stations established at northeast point of Sawmill Bay,
Dangerous Island, and Perry Island.
1941 USCGC Sedge reports 8,949 barrels of oil recovered by CG OWOCRS.
2000 Skimming operations progress with oil recovery rates approaching 90 percent.
2100 Appearance of oil not yet sighted on shorelines west of Cape Puget, which
serves as boundary between Valdez and Anchorage OSCs. Anchorage OSC
sends representative to Prince William Sound. Preparations start to protect
against possible movement of oil into Gulf of Alaska.
APRIL 4, 1989 (TWELFTH DAY)
Shoreline crews continue to operate at Smith and Naked Island. Housing
for work crews provided by the barge Exxon II, located in Mummy Bay,
Knight Island and by the M/V Bartlett (to be relieved later by M/V Aurora)
in Sawmill Bay.
Exxon has established a boat cleaning station in Valdez. Cordova
Fisheries Union are setting up another cleaning station in Cordova.
USCGC Rush works 329 aircraft and processed 1,867 radio contacts
between 0700 and 2130.
Health and safety training classes set up by Exxon contractors to provide
mandatory training for all clean-up personnel.
Oil transfer from Exxon Valdez completed by Exxon Baytown; Exxon
Baytown underway.
APRIL 5, 1989 (THIRTEENTH DAY)
Over 66,000 feet of boom deployed in Sawmill Bay. This represents 65
percent of total boom deployed. OSC had decided to deploy a significant
amount of booming and skimmers in defensive positions to protect hatcheries,
removing capacity to fight the spill itself.
Appendices-9
Air Force Military Airlift Command (MAC) airlifts U.S. Navy, CG, and
Exxon skimmer boats, drums of dispersant, mooring systems, boom vans,
barrier material, and assorted vehicles from California, Oregon, Texas,
Virginia, Denmark, and Finland to spill site. Exxon will pay airlift cost.
Sawmill Bay fishermen now expressing confidence that hatcheries will
be protected. Clean-up crews at a number of beach locations begin to mop up
oil in tidal pools.
Primary concentration of oil in Prince William Sound extends almost in
a continuous sheen from Smith Island, between Knight and Green Islands,
and down Montague Strait out into Gulf of Alaska. Oil remains in passages
between Bainbridge and Latouche Passages. Large slick has moved into Gulf
of Alaska, extending from southern outlets of the passages across Montague
Strait. Slick has moved approximately 50 miles into the gulf.
Skimming rates continually reduced due to oil weathering.
OSC permits transit of two vessels during daylight hours,
provided they are heading in the same direction. Each vessel must have two-
tug escort.
USCGC Rush works 127 air contacts and processes 550 radio contacts as
part of air traffic control operations.
1035 Exxon Valdez refloated after oil transfer operations and is holding position
on Bligh Reef. About 16,445 barrels of oil remain in the vessel. l,000-yard
safety zone established around the tanker. Two MARCO skimmers and a
vacuum truck are aboard Exxon Valdez and attended by workboats and
standby dispersant-loaded aircraft to respond to any additional spill. Transit
of Exxon Valdez to Naked Island area begins.
1420 USCGC Sedge reports recovery of oil is becoming extremely difficult due to
formation of a water-and-oil emulsion or mousse.
1935 Exxon Valdez anchored in Outside Bay near Naked Island.
2201 Canadian and U.S. Region Joint Contingency Plan activated. Co-chairs are
Captain G.E. Haines, the Commander of the Coast Guard District 17 Marine
Safety Program, and Mr. G.R. Stewart, Director General, Western Region,
Canadian Coast Guard.
APRIL 6, 1989 (FOURTEENTH DAY)
Twenty-one additional skimmers, including 15 Navy units transported by the
Department of Defense (DOD), enroute to spill scene.
Variety of response equipment being assembled at Mummy Bay and Point
Helens, Knight Island to protect environmentally sensitive areas there. Also,
joint U.S. - Canadian response plan invoked to speed delivery of more clean-
up equipment and operators.
USCGCs Midgett, Yocoa, Sweetbriar, Iris, and Planetree directed to join
cutters Rush, Ironwood, and Sedge in clean-up area.
Mandatory health and safety classes for all clean-up crews begin while
contractors work with NOAA to develop detailed maps of oiled beach areas.
Exxon Valdez remains anchored off Naked Island.
NOAA overflight reveals oil is thinning and heading out to sea. Heavy
oil contamination reported at Smith Island, Main Bay, Falls Bay, Eshamay Bay,
eastern side of Chenega Island, and northern parts of Bainbridge, Evans, and
Latouche Islands. Eastern and western shores of Knight Island also
contaminated. Oil with light concentrations of emulsified ribbons spotted
north of Main Bay near Port Nellie Juan.
Mortality rate of otters turned into rehabilitation centers is approximately
50 percent. Leading edge of oil slick 22 miles south of Nuka Bay in Gulf of
Alaska. Impact observed on the Chiswell Islands. Oil mousse surrounds
Barwell Island, and some oil has been trapped on eastern side of Cape
Resurrection.
Appendices-l0
Oil observed approximately 20 miles off coast from Gore Point, varying
in width from 10 to 20 miles. Oil forming wind rows. Oil in Prince William
Sound continues to flush into the gulf.
Rear Admiral Nelson (USCG) assumes OSC responsibility to facilitate
strategic control of response.
Oil volume in Bainbridge and Latouche Passages diminishes with
migration of spill into the gulf.
USCGC Rush maintaining air traffic control.
Oil affects areas within Anchorage OSC jurisdiction. Oil slick reaches
Barwell Island at entrance of Resurrection Bay.
1500 Overflights indicate difficulties encountered in positioning skimmers in areas
of heavily concentrated oil. Emulsified patches of oil clinging to some
shoreline areas inaccessible to larger skimmers.
APRIL 7, 1989 (FIFTEENTH DAY)
At direction of President Bush, DOD establishes Director of Military Support
Joint Task Force (DOMS JTF) to assist OSC in cleanup. DOD assessment team
will determine best way to apply military support. Joint Task Force begins
daily oversight meetings in Pentagon Army Operations Center.
Emergency order tightening operations at Valdez Terminal signed by
Governor Cowper.
Spill area enlarged to approximately 2,600 square nautical miles,
according to NOAA analysis of recent overflights. Heavy concentrations of
oil sighted on eastern side of Knight Island. Sheen remaining in most passage
areas forms streams and stringers.
Approximately 300 dead birds and 76 sea otters collected. The new
Valdez rehabilitation center begins operations.
0930 Divers survey tank number 1C beneath Exxon Valdez and begin drilling
operations to prevent further spread of main crack.
1830 Sheen with streaks of mousse reported extending from the northern part of
Naked Island down eastern shore of Knight Island, through Latouche Passage,
and into Gulf of Alaska. Northern part of Montague Island and Green Island
affected. Extensive sheen observed in and around Snug Harbor. Light sheen
with stringers ranges from Port Nellie Juan to Main Bay and down Knight
Island Passage into Latouche Passage. Some sheen observed in Prince of Wales
Passage.
USCGC Rush maintains air traffic control. USCGC Sedge passes
OWOCRS towline to Theresa Marie.
APRIL 8, 1989 (SIXTEENTH DAY)
Skimming operations continue in Main, Eshamay, Herring, and Sawmill Bays
and begin between Knight and Green Islands. While GT-185 skimmers are
very effective, CG reports that oil recovery rates are reduced to 200 barrels
per day due to increasing oil viscosity.
Morning overflight shows occasional light sheen in Perry Passage north
of Port Nellie Juan. No oil found in Wells Passage or McClure Island. Light
sheen at Port Nellie Juan, Main Bay, and Crofton Island where some beach
impact observed. Less than 10 percent of Eshamay Bay covered with sheen,
but heavy oil concentrations contained by booms.
Mixture of sheen and mousse observed in northern, eastern, and southern
areas of Knight Passage. Sheen and mousse streaks noted in Prince of Wales
Passage. Shorelines abutting Latouche Passage show oiling with mousse and
sheen offshore. Sheen with patches of heavy oil observed off southern
Montague Island. Trajectory of spill curving into Anchorage OSC jurisdiction.
Valdez and Anchorage OSCs deploy MARCO Class V skimmers in defensive
positions in Gulf of Alaska.
Appendices- 11
DOI reports that 529 birds and 94 sea otters have died. The Fish and
Wildlife Service (FWS) has prepared a list of wildlife areas believed to be at
risk from the oil spill.
USCGC Rush maintains air traffic control, works 303 aircraft, and
processes over 2,126 radio contacts. USCGC Ironwood continues installation
of mooring systems in Sawmill Bay.
CG Boating Safety Team enroute to Whittier to conduct safety boardings
on volunteer recreational boats used for retrieval of dead wildlife.
In Whittier, DOI is setting up a wildlife collection station and Exxon
establishes a boat-cleaning station.
0630 Overflights conducted by NOAA.
0945 USCGC Rush reports heavy concentration of oil from Bass Harbor to eastern
end of Smith Island. Slick apparently one mile wide. Exxon officials notified
and a skimmer crew diverted.
Response actions stepped up at Sawmill Bay and Snug Harbor, where
eight skimmers, five vessels, and an oil recovery barge are involved. Over
5,000 feet of boom deployed in King Bay. Fully-boomed Exxon Valdez
remains anchored off Naked Island with a 32-foot water cushion for each of
its damaged tanks. Light sheen reported inside the boom.
FWS conducts aerial shoreline survey from Prince William Sound to
Homer.
2130 Captain Ryan of the Canadian Coast Guard says Canadian skimming
equipment has recovered 666 barrels.
2200 USCGC Sedge enroute to Snug Harbor.
2205 Summary of clean-up activity provided by Exxon as of this date:
Initial Amount of Oil Spilled: 240,000 barrels
Amount Recovered: 17,000 barrels
Amount Evaporated: 77,000 barrels
Amount Dispersed: 11,000 barrels
Amount in Prince William Sound: 45,000 barrels
Amount in Gulf of Alaska: 45,000 barrels
Amount on Beaches: 45,000 barrels
CG AIREYE overflights reveal scattered mousse and sheen from Cape
Junken to the southern section of Otter Island. Some oil apparent around
Chiswell Island. Light sheen with thin strands of mousse apparent north of
Hinchinbrook Island. Light beach impacts were observed on the northeastern
part of Montague Island.
Exxon divers complete drilling eight stopper holes in Exxon Valdez to
arrest fractures.
APRIL 9, 1989 (SEVENTEENTH DAY)
Spill seems to be stabilizing. CG reports leading edge of the spill has not
advanced in two days. Sheen with streaks of congealed oil extends from
northern Naked Island through the lower passages and into Gulf of Alaska.
Heavy sheen reported around Snug Harbor.
Sawmill and Herring Bays and Snug Harbor continue to hold highest
response priority. Arriving at Sawmill Bay to join the response effort are a
floating hotel (housing 1,000 response personnel), five waste-oil barges, five
waste-oil "doughnuts," and 100 small skiffs.
USCGC Rush works 320 aircraft and has processed 2,180 radio contacts
in the last 24 hours.
1430 VADM Robbins, CG PACAREA Commander, returned to Valdez.
Appendices-12
1515 Joint NOAA/USCG overflight reports no oil found on Hitchinbrook Island
near the Hawkins Island cut-off.
1945 Aerial reconnaissance reports leading edge of spill is 25 miles southeast of
Nuka Island. Slick runs close to the shore from Cape Junken to the vicinity
of Resurrection Bay, where fresh water runoff and fjord winds are pushing
the spill offshore. Major spill impact observed in Chiswell Islands due to
combination of steep shoreline and high wave energy. Offshore slick appears
as 20 to 30 mile sheen with widely separated areas of mousse.
Weather hinders clean-up operations. Many skimmers operating in
exposed areas head for more protected waters.
CG air operations total 38 hours of flight time.
In the OSC Anchorage-Gulf of Alaska operational theater, the USCGC
Yocona has sailed from Kodiak to Seward and presently is in Seward. A Navy
MARCO skimmer is on scene. An 84-inch boom at Seward cannot be
deployed by USCGC Yocona and Planetree due to adverse weather conditions
offshore. Test using herring nets to break up areas of oil considered partially
successful.
Two 65,000-gallon capacity bladders enroute to Seward for use in
skimmer operations.
USCGC Morgenthau is stationed at the southeast entrance to lower Cook
Inlet monitoring traffic. Remote weather stations are planned for Barwell
Island, Outer Island, Chugach Island, and Marmot Island.
14,000 feet of boom deployed at Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords
National Park.
APRIL 10, 1989 (EIGHTEENTH DAY)
Leading edge of the slick located 20 miles south of Nuka Sound.
USCGC Sedge conducts shoreline survey of Snug Harbor with a small
boat. Only a very light sheen observed approximately one mile offshore. Four
foot wide band of black oil observed at the high water mark on the beach.
FWS personnel continue shoreline aerial survey from Prince William
Sound to Kodiak. On the ground, a survey of deceased wildlife is conducted
on the north end of Knight Island.
USCGC Rush works 324 aircraft, processes 2,192 radio contacts, and
then puts into port for logistic resupply. USCGC Rush is relieved of air
traffic control responsibilities by USCGC Sedge.
Poor visibility and high variable winds hamper overflight assessments.
1400 USCGC Ironwood enroute from Snug Harbor to Valdez and reports every five
miles on concentrations of oil. Ironwood reports light sheen 500 to 1,000
yards wide between Sleepy Bay and Point Helen. Several ribbons of oil
approximately 10 by 420 yards reported three miles south of Discovery Point.
1845 USCGC Storis loaded with approximately 2,000 feet of membrane-type boom
for transport to Kitoi fish hatchery at Afognak Island.
At OSC Anchorage-Gulf of Alaska zone, gale force winds and 20-foot
seas prevent offshore operations. Exxon establishing an otter cleaning station
in Seward. 2,100 feet of boom are deployed at Tutka Bay fish hatchery.
Two Navy MARCO skimmers with CG bladder arrive at Homer.
Six fishing vessels equipped with herring nets depart Kodiak to join 30
other fishing boats at Seward to form mobile response unit in attempt to break
up oil patches off Cape Resurrection. Additional 10,000 feet of boom will be
deployed with these vessels.
APRIL 11, 1989 (NINETEENTH DAY)
Total of nearly 200,000 feet of boom have been deployed to protect
endangered areas in Prince William Sound. Included are 85,000 feet of
containment boom, 98,000 feet of absorbent boom, and 12,000 feet of boom
surrounding Exxon Valdez anchored off Naked Island.
39 skimming operations shut down by rough seas on April 10 have yet to
resume operations in the natural collection area of Snug Harbor, Sawmill Bay,
Point Helen, Latouche Pass, and Herring Bay. Over 80 people are now
involved in the cleanup of Naked Island, with 500 more workers expected to
join clean-up efforts by April 13.
Oil moved westward, forming long, well-defined bands of mousse along
eastern shore of Latouche, Knight, and Ingot Islands. Light sheens observed
in Main and Eshamay Bays. Large patch of sheen/mousse combination
approximately six miles long and two miles wide observed west of Eleanor
Island, extending nearly into entrance of Main Bay.
Small amounts of sheen and mousse observed in Perry Island area.
Herring Bay still heavily oiled. Large band of sheen and mousse parallels
southeast end of Knight Island. Bay of Isles beaches also heavily oiled. Wind
and wave conditions over past two days have mixed and dispersed the larger
concentrations of oil in open waters of Prince William Sound.
Exxon divides Prince William Sound into four quadrants, each with a
command and control vessel (with PACAREA Strike Team member aboard)
to coordinate oil recovery operations. Quadrant zone one represents area
north of Knight Island, Quadrant zone two represents areas west, and
Quadrant zone three areas east. Quadrant zone four represents areas south of
island. Areas other than Prince William Sound are designated zone five.
Exxon Valdez is subject of diving survey. Repairs made to fractures in
hull of number four starboard tank. Vessel engines are checked and
considered operational. To date, 19,000 barrels of oil recovered, but bad
weather hinders future recovery operations.
0340 USCGC Morgenthau ordered to mouth of Resurrection Bay to coordinate
efforts to break up oil by fishing vessel fleet and Exxon spotter plane.
1445 Potato Point Radar Site becomes inoperative, forcing OSC to close the Valdez
Narrows to vessel traffic.
1500 Radar site reactivated and port reopened.
APRIL 12, 1989 (TWENTIETH DAY)
CG helicopter overflight reports leading edge of slick located 30 to 40 miles
southeast of Gore Point.
Snug Harbor and the Bay of Isles relatively free of oil, but shorelines
are extensively oiled.
1535 ADM Yost, Commandant USCG, arrives at Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage. He
returns as the Presidents and the Secretary of Transportations representative
to oversee the spill cleanup. He is met and briefed by VADM Robbins and
RADM Nelson.
APRIL 13, 1989 (TWENTY-FIRST DAY)
CG monitor and vessels assigned to each of five designated clean-up sectors.
Dispersant tests show no effect on mousse and little effect on sheen.
1122 ADM Yost meets with Exxon officials to establish clean-up priorities. Exxon
tasked with submitting a beach clean-up work plan. Exxon temporarily
suspends shoreline cleanup pending submission and approval of the plan.
1330 RRT meeting held.
1800 Transfer of oil slops from T/S Exxon Valdez completed. Internal survey
underway.
Appendices-14
1900 ADM Yost briefs operations committee on his purpose and function as
Presidents representative.
APRIL 14, 1989 (TWENTY-SECOND DAY)
1115 Commandant meets with Governor Cowper and Commissioner of ADEC to
discuss clean-up progress and strategies. Commandant also briefed by
LT GEN McInerney on results of DOD assessment team study.
1300 RRT meeting held.
1314 ADM Yost provided status report during telecom with President Bush. The
effectiveness of hot water/steam cleaning of shoreline discussed, and a status
report provided by ADM Yost.
1500 LT GEN McInerney, ADM Yost, and VADM Robbins meet. DOD support
resources discussed and additional resources secured, including COE Dredge
Essayons and U.S. Navy Ship Juneau.
1700 ADM Yost meets with top Exxon officials. He presents them with a list of
50 beaches requiring cleanup. ADM Yost is putting pressure on Exxon to
provide additional personnel within 10 days.
2000 ADM Yost meets with SSC and operations committee. The need to protect
Seward, Homer, and Kodiak is discussed, as is forthcoming Exxon shoreline
clean-up plan.
2100 Shoreline Clean-up Committee approves use of wash-vacuum oil cleaning
system (VIKOVAK) on eastern shore of Smith Island. Committee also
approves test cleaning using hot/cold/high-pressure water flushing with
VIKOVAK applications on northern portion of Smith Island. Instructions
given to avoid all living spicies, backshore and upper intertidal areas, and use
of high-pressure water or steam where invertebrates and seaweed exist.
APRIL 15, 1989 (TWENTY-THIRD DAY)
0905 ADM Yost, VADM Robbins, and NOAA rep conduct overflight of Northwest
Passage to observe skimming.
Concentrated skimming operations continue in many areas. Ten
skimmers and eight CG cutters operating on scene.
RADM Nelson departs to resume duties as Commander of Seventeenth
CG District.
1400 Hydrovac pumping system transferred to Zone two to speed offloading of
skimmers there. Hydrovac systems considered only effective pumping system
for the viscous, debris-laden oil that is difficult, to transfer through integrated
skimmer pumping systems.
1600 Vice Admiral Robbins (USCG) becomes federal OSC (FOSC).
1700 Commandant meets with representatives of Exxon, ADEC, and fishermen.
Exxon presents shore clean-up execution plan.
1900 FOSC approves shoreline clean-up work order for Eleanor Island.
1900 ADM Yost attends operations committee briefing to discuss the days
developments and clean-up actions to be taken outside Prince William Sound.
APRIL 16, 1989 (TWENTY-FOURTH DAY)
0930 Commandant , FOSC, and several federal , st at e, corporat e, and press
representatives attend shoreline washing experiment and demonstration
conducted by Exxon on southwest Eleanor Island.
Exxon submits shoreline clean-up execution plan to FOSC and staff for
review.
Prince William Sound overflight shows significant change in the path of
oil caused by changes in wind direction. Large concentrations of mousse and
sheen previously seen near Eleanor and Ingot Islands now being driven
southwest towards Falls and Main Bay and Lone, Perry, and Culross Islands.
Significant shoreline impact anticipated there. Projections indicate oil will
remain in that vicinity and will not migrate into Wells Passage or Port Nellie
Juan. Overflight conducted in the area of Gore Point shows shoreline impacts.
Remaining oil in the gulf between Cape Junken and the Chugach Islands may
be driven northward and may reach shoreline in that area due to
predominantly southeast winds.
Clean-up operations temporarily stopped due to reports of exposures to
harmful vapors. Air quality monitoring shows exposure limits within safety
guidelines.
1800 ADM Yost meets with operations committee. Alternate methods of beach
cleanup demonstrated earlier discussed and evaluated. ADM Yost expresses
concern over the high number of skimmers that he observes not operating
during his earlier overflight.
APRIL 17, 1989 (TWENTY-FIFTH DAY)
Skimmer operations are redirected in order to concentrate on near-shore areas
to recover larger amounts of accumulated oil more effectively.
Salvage of Exxon Valdez continues. Box patches installed from frame
1 to fore and aft bulkhead. All hangers: (hanging steel pieces) removed from
tank numbers lC, 2C, and 3C. Divers conduct survey of tank number 1S.
Joint command communications network established to connect primary
command nodes for overall operations coordination.
1000 Commandant meets with lead agencies to discuss comments on Exxon
workplan.
1300 Commandant approves workplan and presents comments to Exxon officials.
1400 Captain Crowe (USCG) assumes duties as Chief of Operations.
1600 Captain Roussel (USCG) designated assistant OSC for spill outside Prince
William Sound. Vice Admiral Robbins remains FOSC for entire spill.
1900 ADM Yost and executive committee meet. He urges immediate pursuit of
shoreline cleanup using acceptable methods.
APRIL 18, 1989 (TWENTY-SIXTH DAY)
1315 ADM Yost, FOSC, and RADM Baker, USN, Commander Third Amphibious
Group discuss naval support of cleanup.
1330 Visiting Florida DNR personnel discuss cleanup with FOSC.
1400 ADM Yost departs Valdez for Anchorage.
Skimming operations center on heavy concentrations of oil near Perry,
Long, and Culross Islands.
Nine CG Cutters operating in area. Total of 53 vessels, including
33 skimmers on scene.
Appendices-16
Prince William Sound overflight reveals heavy patches of oil from Wells
Passage to Lone Island. Oil sheen collecting in Port Nellie Juan. Light winds
keeping oil basically immobile. New light oil sightings on south side of Lone
and Eleanor Islands and south to Smith Island. Overflights continue to show
sheen and mousse patches from Chugach Islands east to Cape Resurrection.
Sheen and mousse sighted in vicinity of Shuyak Island. No oil sighted along
beaches of Katmai National Monument. Very light tar ball splattering
Sewards 2,000-foot beach front. No other evidence detected.
Soviet skimmer M/V Vaydagursky receives approval for thirty-day entry
into U.S. waters. Approval includes authorization to work within three miles
of land from Valdez to Homer and around the Kodiak Archipelago, and to
make port calls.
APRIL 19, 1989 (TWENTY-SEVENTH DAY)
0700 Two Navy MARCO Class V skimmers, two Class XI skimmers, and two Exxon
contract skimming vessels deployed at leading and trailing edge of heavy oil
concentration in Perry Passage. Five Navy MARCO Class V skimmers and
Exxon contract skimmers are deployed in the bays west of Eleanor Island to
collect oil pushed by westerly winds. Three Navy MARCO Class V skimmers
deployed west of Squire Island.
1000 USCGC Sweetbrier on scene at Esther Island hatchery to deploy SUPSALV
mooring system for protective booming operations.
1100 ADM Yost and FOSC attends luncheon with mayors of affected towns prior
to ADM Yosts departure from Anchorage.
1200 Sovi et M/ V Vaydagur s ky ski mmer vessel ar r i ves at Sewar d. CG
representatives board vessel with interpreter, pilot, and VECO representatives
(Exxon contractor) to discuss proposed operations. Vessel currently refueling
and preparing for skimming operations near mouth of Resurrection Bay.
Salvage operations continue. All tanks except number 4S are inerted.
Tank number 4s is opened and safe for work. Three box patches installed in
the tank over the small repaired fractures. Tank number 4s has been
repaired temporarily.
1300 FOSC meets in Homer with RRT to discuss shoreline cleanup.
APRIL 24, 1989 (TWENTY-EIGHTH DAY)
0930 FOSC briefs Secretary of Interior Lujan, and Congressmen Young, Galley
and Weldon.
Shoreline activities continue on Naked Island. Over 250 Exxon contractor
personnel are supporting clean-up operations in four areas on north side of
Naked and Peak Islands.
Nearly 41,062 barrels of oil and water mixture and 14,270 barrels of oil
transferred to a barge alongside Exxon Valdez.
State of Alaska-funded and constructed Joint Communication Center
added to the response communications network.
Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) dredge Yaquina deployed as a
skimmer, recovers 1,100 barrels of oil. Total of 53 vessels, including 35
skimmers, are performing oil recovery operations.
Appendices- 17
APRIL 21, 1989 (TWENTY-NINTH DAY)
1300 RRT teleconference updates members and tasks them with investigating use
of COREXIT 7664 dispersant for shoreline cleanup.
Air Force has transported total of 928 tons of response equipment by 15 C-5
missions and 97 tons of equipment by four C-141 missions. Salvage operations
to cut hangars from bottom of Exxon Valdez continue. Draft proposals for
tank and hull cleaning presented to CG.
High volume/low pressure beach washing applied by 250 Exxon personnel
to Naked Island shoreline. CG reports 240 feet of shoreline cleaned.
Skimmers move into Knight Island passage area for oil recovery.
MARCO skimmer working in Sawmill Bay in concert with CG monitor.
OWOCRS and 84-inch boom deployed in Resurrection Bay.
M/V Vaydagursky with CG monitor onboard working with two tugs to
rig skimming booms in Resurrection Bay. 58 vessels, including 37 skimmers,
are operating as recovery or support craft.
APRIL 22, 1989 (THIRTIETH DAY)
Divers continue to cut hanging steel pieces from Exxon Valdez hull. Stopper
holes are drilled at ends of all transverse fractures. ADEC personnel
scheduled to arrive on M/V Winter King to monitor water quality and observe
repairs. Some oil continues to surface from bilge keels where it is trapped.
Shoreline clean-up plan for Applegate Rock area approved by FOSC.
Land use permit for clean-up operations on all state-owned tide and
submerged lands received from State of Alaska for 1989.
Skimmers in Resurrection Bay unable to pump debris-contaminated,
weathered oil. Mr. Clean Class III skimmer recovers oil/mousse off Gore
Point. USSR skimmer Vaydagursky shut down for modifications. It had
recovered 12 barrels of oil.
APRIL 23, 1989 (THIRTY-FIRST DAY)
Skimming operations continue to maximum degree possible in Prince William
Sound Upper Passage, Northwest Bay, Lower Knight Island Passage, and
Eshamay Bay. Exxon estimates 2,990 total barrels recovered on April 22.
Adverse weather forces halt of skimming operations.
Vessel with 4,800 feet of boom and U. S. Navy MARCO skimmer
dispatched to Kitoi Hatchery, Izhut Bay. Eight fishing vessels from Seldowa
and Port Graham deployed to Flat Island. They are towing herring nets in
attempt to collect mousse and tar balls in area.
Bird cleaning station opens at National Guard Armory and otter station
at National Marine Fisheries Services site, Gibson Cove. Alaska Department
of Fish and Game closes herring fishery on north and west side of Afognak
Island due to sheens in area. Boat cleaning station operational at Hermans
Harbor,
CG and Exxon representatives visit villages on Kodiak Island to gather
and disseminate information.
APRIL 24, 1989 (THIRTY-SECOND DAY)
Cutting hangers from Exxon Valdez completed. Drilling stopper holes at end
of fractures continues. Stripping Forepeak and number 1C tank to be
completed. Oil in number 1C tank to be boomed to reduce oil leaks. ADEC
personnel on M/V Winter King alongside Exxon Valdez.
Adverse weather continues to hamper efforts to skim oil. ACOE Dredge
Yaquina with CG skimming barrier manages to operate in South Night Island
Passage and Mummy Bay. Two SUPSALV skimmers work in Northwest Bay.
Remainder of 58 vessels, including 37 skimmers, stay in sheltered waters.
Two hundred feet of shoreline cleaned during last two days.
CG and Exxon personnel brief Senator Stevens.
Appendices-18
APRIL 26, 1989 (THIRTY-THIRD DAY)
Drilling of stopper holes continues on Exxon Valdez. Booming of oil in tank
number 1C in progress.
Adverse weather continues to hamper skimming. All western Alaska
skimmers, except for Mister Clean III, attempting to get to Division Bay, Naka
Passage to skim oil/mousse concentrated in that area. Approximately 15,000
feet of boom arrive in Homer and will be distributed as needed in area by
MAC Group. A total of 58 vessels continue to be involved in operation, but
42 of these now are skimmers.
Joint Communications Center now operational. Phone patch capability
of this system allows total interconnections among all deployed units ashore or
afloat.
1900 FOSC attends evening operations meeting with Exxon personnel onboard the
U.S. Naval Vessel Juneau.
APRIL 26, 1989 (THIRTY-FOURTH DAY)
Tank cleaning and repair activities on Exxon Valdez continue. Four major
networks give coverage to existence of Coast Guard tapes of radio
conversations with Exxon Valdez at time of grounding.
Clean-up operations in western Gulf of Alaska continue to be hindered
by adverse weather. Due to debris-laden, weathered condition of recovered
oil, offloading in both western Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound is
slow and difficult. Various super-suction devices have been tried with limited
success. The operation has been enhanced by heating the oil with stem coils,
but it takes two to two-and-a-half hours to heat approximately 32 barrels.
300 feet of shoreline cleaned in Northwest Bay by April 25. Multiagency
monitoring program is established to ensure that all shoreline segments will be
cleaned in the presence of a federal and state monitor.
58 vessels remain in clean-up operation; 42 are skimmers.
1730 CAPT Calhoun, USCG, CO, MSO Portland, OR. arrive on scene to survey
Exxon Valdez damage and condition.
Appendices-19